News Summary
Washington travelers should prepare for a snowy weekend as weather forecasts predict significant snowfall in the mountains. With 4 to 7 inches expected across various passes, road conditions may worsen, necessitating caution. The Washington Department of Transportation advises keeping an eye on conditions and having tire chains ready. Travelers returning from holiday outings may encounter rain in the Columbia Basin but can expect clearer skies by Monday. It’s essential to stay informed on road conditions throughout the busy travel season.
Snowy Weekend Ahead for Washington Travelers
This past Thursday morning, travelers on Interstate 90 faced quite the hassle when a truck spun out, blocking the eastbound lanes. Thanks to this incident, the road was closed for about half an hour, which can feel like an eternity when you’re in a hurry. As the weekend nears, the weather forecast indicates that snowy and rainy conditions are set to sprinkle (or pour) across the mountains of Washington.
Check Those Conditions!
The Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is reminding everyone to keep a close eye on the weather and road conditions before heading out. With the bustling holiday travel season still in full swing as it’s now December 27, it’s essential to be prepared. Road trips and winter adventures are popular this time of year, but it’s important not to let excitement cloud your judgment!
Weather Woes on Snoqualmie Pass
Just this past week, Snoqualmie Pass has seen its fair share of closures; in fact, both Wednesday and Thursday experienced shutdowns due to accidents and slick driving conditions. On Thursday morning alone, half of Snoqualmie Pass faced closure three times within a 24-hour period, all thanks to several spinouts blocking the eastbound lanes.
For those planning to hit the road this weekend, WSDOT has some crucial advice! When you see “chains required,” it simply means that drivers need to have tire chains handy. Winter driving without them can lead to slick situations pedestrian to a fender-bender!
Snowfall Predictions
What’s in store for the mountains? The forecast is showing a potential accumulation of 4 to 5 inches of snow for Snoqualmie Pass, while Stevens Pass could see about 5 to 7 inches. Over at Blewett Pass, snow levels of 2 to 3 inches are expected on Thursday. If you’re thinking of making a snowman, the mountains are where the fun will be!
Snow is expected to continue over Stevens Pass come Saturday, but rising snow levels may bring a mix of rain and snow over Snoqualmie Pass. This mixed weather can create confusion for travelers, so keep those windshield wipers in tip-top shape!
What to Expect This Weekend
By Sunday, forecasters are predicting more snow for the heavily traveled mountain passes. It’s a wintry wonderland for sure, but be cautious, as rain is anticipated for the Columbia Basin starting Friday night. Yet, Saturday offers a brief reprieve with a partly sunny outlook before clouds roll back in with more rain by Saturday night and into Sunday.
For those returning from holiday outings, Monday is likely to be mostly sunny, giving everyone a lovely post-New Year’s Day glow. But don’t get your hopes too high just yet; clouds and rain are forecasted to return just in time for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day celebrations. After that, the extended forecast hints at rain lingering in the Columbia Basin until at least January 2!
Stay Informed on Road Conditions
As conditions can change rapidly, WSDOT’s “real-time travel map” can be a lifesaver. The map provides updates on road conditions, closures, and potential delays for travelers trying to navigate the snowy terrain. Also, checking specific mountain pass conditions is a must-do before you hit the road; WSDOT features cameras along various routes and estimates travel times.
Additionally, Snoqualmie Pass has its own social media updates and text alert services for anyone wanting real-time information on road conditions. So, bundle up, have those tire chains ready, and drive safely out there this New Year’s weekend!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Beaufort and Charleston Recognized as Top Snow-Free Cities in South Carolina
Dense Fog Alerts Issued for Ten States as Hazardous Driving Conditions Loom
California Braces for Historic Storm with Heavy Rain and Snowfall Expected
South Carolina Braces for Warmer, Drier Winter Amid Weak La Niña Conditions
California Experiences Unexpected Snow in August Amidst Summer Heatwaves and Wildfires
Additional Resources
- Columbia Basin Herald: Snowy Weather in the Travel Forecast
- Wikipedia: Washington (state)
- Forbes: Tracing Losses from Severe Weather Events
- Google Search: Snow Road Conditions Washington
- The City Paper: Colombia Declares State of Emergency
- Google Scholar: Severe Weather Impact
- Columbia Missourian: Extreme Heat in Missouri’s 2024 Weather
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather Disasters
